Rose plant

ABSTRACT

A new white miniature rose of hybrid-tea shaped blooms of heavy petalage.

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of roseplant of the miniature rose class, which was originated by my crossingas seed parent the rose known as "Ma Perkins" and the rose known as"Magic Carousel" as pollen parent.

Among the novel characteristics possessed by this new variety whichdistinguish it from its parents and all other varieties of which I amaware are: (1) classically shaped colored blooms hybrid tea-like, longtapering bud form, (2) high centered blooms borne primarily singly to astem in a manner typical of hybrid tea plants, (3) flowers of goodpetalage and very good substance, and (4) significant fragrance. Asexualreproduction by budding of the new variety as performed in Essex County,Mass., shows that the foregoing and other distinguishing characteristicscome true to form and are established and transmitted through succeedingpropagations.

The new and improved rose variety which I have developed is an unusuallyfine miniature rose producing relatively large flowers of clean whitecoloring, singly-borne with high center. The hybrid-tea like flowerbegins with classic, long tapered bud form and maintains a high centerwhile opening while retaining good petal texture and substance. Thepetals reflex upon opening and roll under to form points at maturity.The plant itself is attractive in combining medium, abundant foliagewith moderately branching growth.

The accompanying drawing shows typical specimens of the vegetativegrowth and flowers of the new variety in different stages of developmentand as depicted in color as nearly true as it is reasonably possible tomake the same in color illustration of this character.

The following is a detailed description of my new variety, with colorterminology in accordance with the Royal Horticultural Society ColorChart (RHSCC). The terminology used in color description herein refersto plate numbers in the aforementioned color chart, e.g., "155A" isplate 155A of the Royal Horticultural Society Color Chart.

Parentage: Seedling.

Seed parent.--"Ma Perkins".

Pollen parent.--"Magic Carousel".

Class: Miniature.

The following observations are made of specimens grown outdoors in EssexCounty, Mass., during the month of July.

1. FLOWER

Blooming habit: Recurrent.

A. Bud.--(1) Size: Large for miniature. (2) Form: Long, tapering. (3)Color: When sepals first divide -- 155A. When petals begin to unfurl --155B. When half-blown: 155D. Reverse side of petals -- 155B. (4) Sepals:Long, thin, tapered point, shorter than mature bud; 3 of 5 sepalsusually have opposed single foliation at mid point. (5) Peduncle: Length-- normal. Aspect -- straight, strong. Strength -- erect, strong. Color-- 144B.

B. Bloom.--(1) Size: Average size when fully expanded -- about 11/2inches to 17/8 inches. (2) Borne: Usually singly. (3) Form: Highcentered at first, petals reflex and become rolled under to form pointsat maturity. (4) Petalage: Number of petals under normal conditions --about 43 to 48. (5) Color: (during first two days) Inner petals atcenter of flower -- 8D. Outer petals -- 155A to 155B. Base of petals(point of attachment) -- 5D. Reverse of petals -- 155B. General tonalityfrom a distance -- rich white. (6) Color Change: As bloom ages -- 155B,maintaining rich white coloring as bloom ages with color still 155Bafter three or more days.

C. Petals.--(1) Texture: Thick, good substance. (2) Appearance: Inside-- soft, plushy; outside -- satiny. (3) Form: Wide with short points.(4) Arrangement: Regularly arranged, shingle-like. (5) Petaloids incenter: Few. (6) Persistence: Drop off cleanly. (7) Fragrance: Light andsweet. (8) Lasting quality: Moderately long lasting on plant and as cutflower.

2. REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS

A. Stamens, filaments and anthers:

(1) Arrangement.--Regularly arranged around styles.

(2) Color.--22A.

B. Pollen: Color -- 22A.

C. Styles: Medium, even distribution, outer ones longer, thin.

D. Stigmas: Color -- 43C.

E. Hips: None observed.

3. PLANT

A. Form: Upright, compact.

B. Growth: Vigorous, moderately branching, long cutting stems. Heightattained -- 15 to 18 inches under good conditions.

C. Foliage: Compound 5 to 7 leaflet leaves.

(1) Size.--Medium to large.

(2) Quantity.--Abundant, well spaced.

(3) Color.--New foliage: Upper side -- near to 183A, under side -- nearto 183C. Old foliage: Upper side -- 139A, under side -- 137D.

(4) Shape.--Pointed, oval.

(5) Texture.--Upper side -- smooth, slightly shiny. Under side -- matte.

(6) Edge.--Serrated.

(7) Serration.--Regular, shallower than most miniatures.

(8) Leaf stem.--Color -- near to 138B. Under side -- 139C.

(9) Stipules.--Medium length, slightly bearded.

(10) Resistance to disease.--Blackspot -- good. Mildew -- good.

D. Wood:

(1) New wood.--Color -- near to 137D. Bark -- smooth.

(2) Old wood.--Color -- near to 137D. Bark -- smooth.

E. Thorns:

(1) Thorns.--Quantity: Few. On laterals from stalk -- few. Form -- long,thin, pointed, straight, slanted slightly downward. Length -- medium.Color (when young) -- 35C. Position -- irregular.

(2) Prickles.--None.

F. Winter hardiness: Needs some winter protection in worst winter areas.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of rose plant of the miniatureclass, substantially as shown and described, characterized particularlyby long tapering buds opening into rich white hybrid tea-like, highcentered, blooms borne primarily singly to a stem maintaining its colorwell upon aging.